Pain Care Bill of Rights

From the American Pain Foundation

As a person with pain, you have the right to:

• Have your report of pain taken seriously and to be treated with dignity and respect by doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Have your pain thoroughly assessed and promptly treated.
• Be informed by your healthcare provider about what may be causing your pain, possible treatments, and the benefits, risks and costs of each.
• Participate actively in decisions about how to manage your pain.
• Have your pain reassessed regularly and your treatment adjusted if your pain has not been eased.
• Be referred to a pain specialist if your pain persists.
• Get clear and prompt answers to your questions, take time to make decisions, and refuse a particular type of treatment if you choose.

© 2003 American Pain Foundation
American Pain Foundation
201 N. Charles Street, Suite 710
Baltimore, MD 21201-4111
Toll-free information line: 888-615-7246
Web site: http://www.painfoundation.org